Saucy Kumasi

What's up Globalites?!?!

Well, as orientaiton in Ontario is probably getting under way right about now, I would just like to say how fantastic a job Dave, Chris, and Becky did at running the first official Vancouver orientation. Even bigger and better poo and worm stories, if you can believe it. All in all, a huge success.

So SFU Ghana arrived in the capital city after a long but smooth trans-Canada, transatlantic, trans-Sahara flight, followed by a bumpy nocturnal bus ride north to the second biggest city, Kumasi. We were welcomed by Patrick, who has been an amazing host to our team of eight. He's even welcomed us into his 2-bedroom apartment and the team couldn't be more grateful for his hospitality.

After a short sleep, we began our first full day in Ghana by meeting the a number of important figures in the region, including the head chiefs of two communities. We also met with members of Human Life Ghana, the NGO we are working with until Wednesday. They asked us to give ourselves a team name, and we've decided on Canada Hip-Life. (Hip-Life is the modern hip-hop style version of Ghana's traditional music, high life.) Although I have to say, I think we may have lost some of our street cred when a few of our teammates tought some kids in the community songs like The Hokey Pokey and Head, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes. A remixed version featuring T.I. would be greatly appreciated if anyone could pass that along.

Today we helped paint a community health centre and got to witness first hand the making of kente fabric... v. cool.

Well we're here in Kumasi until Wednesday, at which time we'll be travelling to Apam, a small village on the coast to work and stay at the Catholic hospital there. On behalf of the whole SFU Ghana team, we'd like to wish all teams travelling all over the world an incredible and safe experience.

Peace and love,
Greg

P.S. Kelso, I beat you to the first post bi-atch!
P.P.S. I love Sasha Knight!!!

First team away!

We just wrapped up the first (in a long time) Global orientation here in BC! There are two new locations this year at Simon Frasier University (on their way to Ghana) and UBC (gearing up for Thailand tomorrow!).



Their visas for Ghana came in at the last minute (inspiring the new podcast) and as I'm writing this they are checking in at the Vancouver airport!



We'll finish tonight with the Thailand team and have our first orientation dismissed and off to their locations.

Here we go!

Howdy folks, if you haven't noticed there's a new podcast episode over there to be listened to...it turned out pretty good. It's Dave telling the nail biting story of the first Global orientation. Go on over there, press play and enjoy.

Also, there are 26 teams heading out all over the world this weekend for this years Global trips. Keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

And keep checking back here for updates, stories and pictures from those teams throughout May.

Thanks!

Chris

Global article in the Oakville paper!

Check it out...GLONK HERE.

YWAM Modesto hosts Global Youth Network!

-by Chris

We partner with a Canadian organization called Global Youth Network. Every year they bring a batch of young leaders to Modesto for a week of outreach and training...which really means they hang out with us and do what we do with us. We love Global teams! Here's some pictures from the week...some from my phone and others from the team...



Day #1 - The obligatory touristy day in the city...Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge, Sunset over the ocean and awesome curry!



Day #2 - Church in the morning and a tour of Modesto and where we work for orientation.



Day #3 - the team spent the whole day downtown with no money, food or resources. They had to rely solely on homeless people to find out where to go for food. They ended up making some really good friends.



Day #4 - We spent the morning with Advancing Vibrant Communities hearing about their work and then we went and did a project with them...chopping and stacking wood for an elderly lady and her daughter...



...then we barbecued for the South 9th St. community...







This team dug in to our heart to make friends and let relationship and compassion lead the way.

Day #5 - Yosemite!





!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Day #6 - We went back to 9th St and reconnected with friends from earlier in the week...





These guys were more than just another team...they dove into our heart for people and became friends and co-workers. We even dreamed together about the future. Yay team!



And I think we wore them out a bit.

Podcast #2!

Ok, our other service is acting weird so look over there ------->

I put a player right here in the blog! That's pretty cool. You can listen here or click on the player to download or subscribe...again.

Tim in Mizoram